Betty Jo Fields Howard

Betty Jo Howard, 89, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. She was born on April 9, 1936, to Lonnie Elmer and Maudie Mae Jordan Fields in Benedict, Virginia, a coal-mining settlement that later became part of St. Charles, VA. After graduating from Pennington Gap High School, Betty moved to Dayton, OH, where she began her professional career as a proofreader for McCall’s magazine. During this time, she converted to Catholicism, a faith to which she remained deeply devoted throughout her life. She married Joseph Edward Howard, with whom she had five children and relocated to Frankfort, KY. Betty worked as an administrative assistant with the Kentucky Department of Labor. One year after her retirement, she made her home in Englewood, FL. In 1988, Betty and her partner, Joe Scolaro, moved into a condominium that quickly became a beloved gathering place for friends and family—so lively and welcoming that it earned the affectionate nickname “the best restaurant in town.” Together, they shared a rich life filled with travel, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Betty embraced life with enthusiasm and courage. She was active in sports and a talented athlete in high school as one of the star basketball players during her tenure. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she even learned to ski at age 50, despite a lifelong fear of heights. Alongside Joe, and often with family, she traveled extensively throughout the United States and visited his hometown of Tripi, Sicily. Known for her passion, generosity, kindness, and warmth, Betty made friends easily and welcomed everyone into her home. Her open-door policy meant neighborhood children were frequent visitors—often stopping by to jump on the trampoline—and dinner invitations were readily extended, even to traveling college students selling encyclopedias. Strong, independent, and well read, Betty was creative, stylish, and fun-loving. Above all, she was a devoted and wonderful mother who will be profoundly missed. Betty is survived by her children: Sheree Jones; Mike (Regina) Howard; Jerry (Jonna) Howard; Leigh Ann (Steve) Lowe; and Kristie Howard; her three grandchildren: Jordan (Jennifer) Howard, Eli Howard, and Michael Howard; her three great-grandchildren: Lola, Hudson, and Jarett Howard; and her brother, Jimmy (Paula) Fields, of Wichita Falls, TX. She was preceded in death by her sisters Mae (Emerson) Mullins, June (Bill) Robbins, and Francis (Bill) McMillan. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church with Father Charles Howell officiating. Burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the church.

Betty Jo Fields Howard

April 9, 1936 - January 25, 2026